Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
No rating
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Highlights

VERY DANGEROUS AVALANCHE CONDITIONS EXIST. TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED. Since Feb 2nd, over four feet of snow containing over 5 inches or moisture has fallen at high elevations in the Tetons. Increasing temperatures over the last few days has resulted in rain falling up to an elevation of approximately 8500 feet yesterday and last night. The rain has greatly weakened the mid and low elevation snowpack making natural wet slide activity likely this morning. At higher elevations wind slabs could release naturally as they are further loaded by continued snowfall. Once initiated, any slide is likely to entrain large volumes of snow. All run out zones should be avoided today. Yesterday natural avalanches closed Hoback Canyon and Snake River Canyon(which remains closed this morning). Teton Pass remains closed and likely was impacted by more slides. A snowmobiler was killed by an avalanche on Black Mountain near Alpine yesterday. Our condolences go out to the friends and family of the victim. Two days ago 2 people were caught and not injured although one was critically buried near Grouse Mountain. The avalanche warning for the area remains effect through 1am Saturday.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Very strong southwest to west winds over the past week have formed slabs and continue to load them in the backcountry. These slabs could release on density breaks throughout the storm cycle with depths of six inches to as much as four feet at the higher elevations. These slabs will be very sensitive to human triggers and are likely to release naturally today at the high elevations. Once triggered, they could run long distances and entrain the wet snow at the lower elevations. Continued snowfall will increase their likelihood of failure today above 9000 feet.

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    The snowpack at the mid and low elevations has been weakened by rain. Natural avalanche activity in the form of wet slab and wet loose is activity is likely. Human venturing into steep terrain below 8500 feet will easily trigger these events. This hazard could decrease today as forecast temperatures are to lower, bringing the snow line to the valley floor.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    The chance continues for backcountry travelers to trigger very large deep slab avalanches on northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. If triggered, these dangerous hard slabs could involve the full depth of the snowpack. These slabs could be triggered by the release and movement of a wind slab or by larger loads such as snow machines or groups of people.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Precipitation is to intensify this evening and continue through the night. Rain is expected at the Lower elevations. Temperatures are to cool Friday morning, and periods of snow are expected at all elevations through most of the day. The avalanche warning has been extend until 1am Saturday morning. The general avalanche hazard will be High to Extreme on Friday dependent on the moisture received by morning. If rain continues fall on slopes below 9000, natural avalanches will continue to impact roadways. Wet loose, and wet slab avalanches can all be triggered on lower slopes. Once moving they have the potential to entrain large volumes of snow. At higher elevations significant loading and wind has formed wind slabs in steep leeward terrain. These slabs could be triggered with depths of six inches to two feet may release naturally.

Regions covered